Criminal Justice

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro says he won't allow Pennsylvania to execute any inmates while he is in office and calls for the state's lawmakers to repeal the death penalty.

Nothstein, 52, will spend a year on probation after he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge in Lehigh County Court on Wednesday, in a case that involved his ex-girlfriend.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives released a major report on stolen guns.

Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering a host of changes to the state’s cannabis laws that would expand who is eligible for a medical marijuana card.

A 20-year-old Coplay man fatally shot by Allentown police on Friday had multiple gunshot wounds, an autopsy report from the Lehigh County Coroner's Office said.

Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin said police recovered a semiautomatic handgun from the man, as well as shell casings believed to have been fired from the weapon. No officers were hurt, but a projectile nicked an officer's bulletproof vest, Martin said.

Police are stepping up DUI enforcement for Super Bowl weekend. Each year, there’s a spike in the number of car crashes immediately following the Super Bowl than what is typical for a Sunday night.

Part of Route 412 in South Bethlehem had been closed early Monday after police found a gunshot victim.

Recent incidents of violence prompted several people to speak out on safety concerns at the Allentown City Council meeting on Wednesday night. They emphasized the need for action and community involvement.

Allentown City Council formally thanked and recognized the emergency workers involved in the trench collapse rescue on January 11

Eric Gratz, 42, of Alburtis, in a hearing before Judge Anna-Kristie M. Marks pleaded guilty to two counts of solicitation to commit prostitution, a third-degree misdemeanor

South Whitehall Township commissioners appointed Capt. Stephen Brown to the position of interim/acting police chief. Outgoing Police Chief Glen Dorney recently tendered his resignation to take a job in the private sector.

Allentown City Council is expected to approve two bills Wednesday to accept funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency on behalf of the police department.

Kathryn Murray, a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations gave a keynote speech at Hotel Bethlehem on Friday about Human Trafficking.

John Albert Garner, 25, is charged with homicide and aggravated assault, both first-degree felonies, in the death of Alexander Mason Price a week before his 30th birthday in July 2023.

Details about COVID's current impact on the jail is to be discussed at an upcoming committee meeting

Easton Police Chief Carl Scalzo responded to allegations of misconduct by his department in the arrest of Easton Councilwoman Taiba Sultana last year. Scalzo played video of police body camera footage during an Easton City Council meeting Wednesday night.

A “non-specific threatening message” found inside Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts in Bethlehem caused the school to implement lockdown procedures Wednesday, police said.

Christian Joel Gonzalez Santiago, 29, pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter, a first-degree misdemeanor. All remaining charges against Gonzalez Santiago were withdrawn at a hearing before Lehigh County Judge Douglas G. Reichley.

Attorney General Michelle Henry’s office announced Monday they would provide an opportunity for those who purchased a ticket to a Philadelphia comic convention which never materialized to obtain a refund from the Easton company who organized the event.

A Northampton County judge set simple assault charges against Easton City Councilwoman Taiba Sultana on a path to dismissal in a hearing Wednesday. District Attorney Stephen Baratta said her prosecution was influenced by politics.

Lehigh Valley motorists may want to keep their eyes peeled for a new look by Pennsylvania State Police. The metallic gray vehicles with "TROOPER" on the side are being phased out.